2018-041-E AMS - Legacy Research Associates Cultural and Archeological survey and site evaluation

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 16F7E188 -42F5- 4144- AF1B- 934E4ACOFE59 PART 2. TERRESTRIAL FIELD METHODOLOGY I. Introduction For compliance projects, our office requests consultation with the designated Office of State Archaeology (OSA) Review Archaeologist to discuss appropriate methodologies prior to archaeological field investigations. The methodology standards outlined below are to be used for clarification and guidance, but allow for exceptions based on various factors. The aim of the guidelines is to help project sponsors and archaeological consultants better understand what methods and techniques are deemed appropriate, and to provide consultants with information that should enable them to design more efficient and cost - effective investigations. The field methodology guidelines are organized in three parts. The introduction provides information concerning definitions, qualifications, and special conditions. The second section differentiates forms of field investigation according to objectives, level of effort, and associated activities (i.e., monitoring, reconnaissance survey or due diligence, Phase I identification survey, Phase II evaluation /testing, and Phase III data recovery /mitigation or treatment). The third section provides standards and guidelines for undertaking and documenting fieldwork activities. a. Definitions 1. Defining an Archaeological Site According to the National Park Service (NPS), an archaeological site is defined as "the location of a significant event, a prehistoric or historic occupation or activity, or a building or structure, whether standing, ruined, or vanished, where the location itself possesses historic, cultural, or archeological value regardless of the value of any existing structure" (as defined in the `How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation' portion of the National Register Bulletin). For the purposes of archaeological site identification, the OSA defines an archaeological site as a location where at least one artifact or feature greater than 50 years of age has been identified. All archaeological sites identified as a result of field investigations receive a trinomial site number, and require a completed OSA site form. 2. Site Occurrence Probability Categories The following site probability categories can be used to aid in the design of particular survey strategies. Thresholds for certain environmental variables used in classifying areas as high or low probability vary regionally, and should be derived from previous survey data in the Site Record Inventory at OSA. Low Probability — This designation typically applies to areas with poorly drained soils; areas with 15 percent or greater slope; and /or areas that are disturbed to such a degree that archaeological materials, if present, would lack sufficient integrity to be considered eligible for listing in the National Register. Areas identified as low probability through the inspection of topographic and soil maps should still be verified and documented in the field using visual inspection and subsurface testing, as appropriate. In many cases it may be suitable to survey low probability areas at a reduced sampling interval. North Carolina Oce of State Archaeology — Archaeological Investigation Standard and Guidelines December 2017) Page 3